By: Sara
Staten Island. My parents decided to come and bring me along so that they could provide me with a better life. I grew up in Staten Island along with my 3 other siblings. Growing up my parents always told us that education is very important and that they wanted us to have the opportunities that they never had.
When I was younger I knew I wanted to graduate from High School, go on to college and become a teacher or a doctor. However, the older I got, the more I realized that I had few choices on my future because of my status. I could go on to college and get my diploma but I would not be able to work in the area of my profession. Hearing my classmates talk about college and knowing that I couldn’t go because my family couldn’t afford to send me, was hurtful.
I did well in school and graduated from Port Richmond High School in 2006 when I was only 16 years old. My parents and I had talks about me returning to Mexico. The country where I was born so I could continue my studies before I turned 18 and be able to legally come back. At that time, my youngest sibling had been diagnosed with Autism, which is a developmental disorder. I chose to stay because I couldn’t leave my family, knowing that they were dealing with a difficult situation and they needed all the help they could get.
I didn’t think that I would be attending college but in my senior year of High School, an organization called the New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC), came to make a presentation about the DREAM Act in a meeting that was held by the Eyeopeners Youth Against Violence Youth Group, which I was a member of. In that meeting I felt hopeful. I saw a chance to accomplish my dreams. That was over 4 years ago and I’m tired of waiting. We’re tired of waiting. The longer we wait, the more young bright individuals are being lost by this country that we call home.
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3 comments
Brian McKnight
March 15, 2011 at 4:50 am (UTC -4)
I love you guys story and bravery. Keep it up!
Jacki
March 15, 2011 at 5:46 am (UTC -4)
Whooooo! This is beyond bravery, determination and courage. Love you both Awesome Dreamers!
Bere
March 15, 2011 at 3:50 pm (UTC -4)
Amazing!!!!!! You guys are my heroes. You give me the strength to never give up!